Land travel phase of WHTI to begin along Canadian border 31 January 2008

The U.S. State Department informs that as of 31 January 2008, for all land and sea border crossings between the United States and Canada, citizens of each country will need to present either a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

For Canadian citizens here is information about these new procedures from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). DHS explains that while adults will have to present either a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo ID, the department will also begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at that time. At a later date, likely to be summer 2008, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.

DHS says that the implementation date will be determined based on a number of factors, including the progress of actions undertaken by the department to implement the WHTI requirements and the availability of WHTI compliant documents on both sides of the border. DHS and the Department of State expect the date of full WHTI implementation to be in the summer of 2008. The precise implementation date will be formally announced with at least sixty days notice. Note that the passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.